Check that lumber is straight and “true” by holding one end up to your eyes and looking down the length of the wood.
You can use 2 x 4 lumber instead if you prefer to have “beefier” treads. When in doubt, buy an extra piece or two of lumber. It’s better to have leftover wood at the end of the job than to run out in the middle or it!
Always wear eye protection when handling saws. Wear ear protection when using power saws. Make sure to keep your hands clear of the blade, and remove or tie back any loose clothing, jewelry, or hair. If you are wary of your cutting skills, you may be able to have your lumber cut to fit at the home improvement store.
Remember that a 30 degree stair-ladder will protrude further out into the room.
Wipe away any dust with a damp rag or a tack cloth. It’s wise to wear eye protection and a dust mask while sanding.
You subtract 3 inches instead of 4 because 2 x 4 lumber is actually only 1. 5 inches (3. 8 cm) thick by 3. 5 inches (8. 9 cm) wide.
A typical bunk bed (e. g. , 56 inches (140 cm) high to the top bunk’s deck) will need 7 treads — 1 on the floor and 6 spaced equally up the side rails. There should be about 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) of vertical rise between treads, so cut a few more or a few less than 8 if your bunk set is unusually tall or short.
This part of the job will be easier with a second pair of hands, but you can manage it on your own if necessary.
Repeat with the other side rail against the other support post. Use a special counter-sink drill bit (here and when drilling for the stair treads) if you want to completely hide the screw heads with wood filler later.
If you didn’t use a counter-sink bit to pre-drill the holes, drive the screws in until the heads are at least flush with the wood surface. Or, drive them until they depress slightly below the wood surface, so you can cover the heads with wood filler later.
The bottom rail rests on the ground in order to provide structural support.
Use a counter-sink drill bit for the pilot holes if you want to completely conceal the screw heads later.
For instance, if the measured distance is 66 inches (170 cm), the centered markings for each tread will be 11 inches (28 cm) apart. If you have a taller than normal bed, you may need more than 6 additional treads.
Recruit a friend to make this easier! While you can debate whether this is a ladder or a staircase, its angled rails and flat treads may be easier for kids to navigate than a vertical bed ladder.
Follow the product’s instructions for application and drying times. You can leave the screw heads exposed if you like, especially if you may want to remove the ladder-stairs later.
If you’ve applied wood filler, wait until it’s completely dry before sanding it. You may need to sand a bit more aggressively to smooth out excess filler. For your safety, wear a dust mask and eye protection when sanding.
If you want the structure to retain a natural look, it’s still advisable to apply a clear wood sealant, using the same techniques as you do for staining.
